I'm usually not a huge pattern mixer. I'd say I'm a pretty simple dresser usually. Not that I'm against it, because I think if it's done right then mixing patterns and colors can be really fun, but it also can be easy to drift into the "I threw everything in my closet on my body" look too, which is not so good, so I usually stay away. Stripes and gingham though? I'm pretty sure they were made for each other. A good black and white stripe sweater is officially on my "never be without" list. It's a great pattern to have on hand that can go with fun colors without overpowering everything. Especially when fall is calling for lots of layers!